NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2026/2027 – SCHEDULE A CALL
Grades 7 and 8
Middle School
An Alternative to Middle School for Grades 7 and 8
Avalon’s Middle School is a prepared environment where adolescent confidence flourishes. Students balance independent reflection with active collaboration through periods of focused freedom and uninterrupted work.
This interdisciplinary approach encourages learners to become active participants in their education, building the leadership skills and social-emotional strength necessary to navigate the transition to high school.
— ABOUT —
A Bridge to High School Built on Confidence
First of Its Kind
Avalon was the first Montessori school in the Beach to offer a Middle School program, providing a curriculum specifically designed for adolescents that bridges the gap between elementary and secondary school.
Support for the Whole Child
The program integrates Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into an academically challenging framework, addressing the significant physical and emotional growth students experience during these years.
Leadership Through Participation
Students are encouraged to be active participants in their education, developing leadership skills by organizing community excursions and mentoring younger students in the school community.
— OUR CURRICULUM —
Preparing for What’s Next
Our interdisciplinary curriculum uses focused freedom to build the academic rigour and leadership skills necessary for success in secondary school.
Academic Readiness
To ease the transition to secondary systems, we gradually introduce formal assessments across the curriculum and more complex assignments in a supportive, low-pressure manner.
Executive Functioning
We prioritize essential life skills, including time management, organization, and personal accountability, ensuring students are prepared for high school.
High School Placement
We support families in navigating the secondary school application process to find the right fit for each student, ensuring a seamless journey beyond Avalon.
Collaborative Debate
Scheduling permits long, uninterrupted work periods that encourage focused concentration and the freedom to collaborate on both self-initiated and instructor-led projects.
Real-World Learning
Activities like adolescent-led initiatives, community service, and micro-economy projects allow students to see the direct impact of their work on the local community.
— BEYOND THE CORE SUBJECTS —
Specialized Programs for a Well-Rounded Experience
Alongside core subjects like language arts, math, and science, our specialized programs provide the academic depth needed for secondary school readiness.
French Program
We help students acquire French language skills naturally through various teaching methods such as storytelling, theatre, and a gesture-based approach.
JUMP Math
We supplement Montessori manipulatives with the JUMP Math program to break complex concepts into achievable steps.
Health & Physical Education
Our health & physical education program focuses on mental health, skill development, cooperation and leadership rather than high-pressure competition. Activities include cross-country and track meets, skiing, skating, and tennis lessons.
Arts Programs
Our arts programs include dance, visual art, and music. Additionally, every spring, Elementary School students manage and perform a show at a local theatre, building creative confidence and teamwork.
— STUDENT INFORMATION —
Daily Life at Our School
Nutrition and Meals
While a hot lunch is available for younger students, our Middle School students are encouraged to practice independence by packing their own lunch. Students in Grades 7–8 have the opportunity to create a weekly plan, then purchase and prepare their own snacks. Students also participate in community-based lunch initiatives.
Technology & Personal Devices
We maintain a focus on traditional learning tools to encourage concentration and limit distraction. While laptops and other technologies are intentionally incorporated as tools for research and project completion, we strongly encourage students to take notes and keep records with paper and pencil, fostering essential foundational skills before their transition to high school environments, where technology use may be more prevalent.
Uniforms
Uniforms are mandatory for all Middle School students, instilling respect for the learning environment and helping eliminate social stereotypes.
— TESTIMONIALS —
Hear From Our Families
Avalon is more than a school; it’s a community.
“You truly meet every child where they are and provide unconditional love and support to guide them through their learning… He has matured, gained confidence, patience and has formed his love of learning again! He looks forward to school every day!”
J.W., Avalon Parent
“The loving and curious staff at Avalon took both our kids under their wings instantaneously and provided safety and security for our kids in their transition into Canadian life. Within a few months, both children had acquired English and were able to function socially as well as academically. We consider Avalon our family.”
R.P., Avalon Parent
“Avalon is more than a school, it is a community. We’ve been particularly pleased to note the high level of interaction between students at all grade levels as well as the high level of parent involvement in the school.”
N.C., Avalon Parent
— CONNECT WITH US —
A Peek Into Daily Life at Avalon
From calm work cycles in our prepared environment to outdoor play, see how our inclusive Montessori community ensures every child feels seen, supported, and valued.
It’s August and there is only one thing we are thinking about - school! We are teachers so we are thinking about our classrooms, we are administrators so we are thinking about school and we are parents to we are thinking about our kids. #avalonmontessori #school #backtoschool #teachers #moms
Excited to introduce this book and this author to my students in September. It is an engaging story with a relatable protagonist and compelling story line. It addresses several key topics, including poverty, access to water, racism, corruption, colonialism, friendship, family, and hope. I believe reading Thirst will be a great way to launch our school year. #Reading #literacy #books #penguinbooks #teachers
It’s summer…time to chill. Wait, I’m a teacher so it’s time to develop my skills and knowledge while I have the time and ability to focus. This is what teachers do in the summer. #avalonmontessori #teachers #middleschool #bestteachers #professionaldevelopment
Now available for social media support. Just kidding! It was fun to share something new with my millennial colleague. You have to savour small victories in life: ) #genx #millenials #teamwork #collaborate #teachers
My dad would say are you hard at work or hardly working? That’s up for debate but I like to say it’s a process. How do you avoid getting to the task at hand? #avalonmontessori #teacherlıfe #dietcoke #school #backtoschool
Looking for family movie? The Sheep Detectives is a sweet and comical movie with a ‘whodunit’ plot line. I would recommend it for kids 8 and older due to an animal fight scene and the murder at the heart of the mystery. It touches on themes of friendship, inclusion and kindness. As always, you know your family best. Let me know what you think in the comments. #familymovies #movienight #entertainingkids #whattowatch #kids
Angie, Chris and Sherry continue to be the driving forces behind Avalon. Angie manages the business aspects of the school. Christine teachers in Lower Elementary and Sherry serves as Principal and Upper Elementary teacher.
All of the founders’ kids have attended or are currently Avalon. 5 of them graduated from our middle school program, 4 are in post secondary and one is in high school. 2 of the kids are still attending Avalon, one in Upper Elementary and one in middle school.
Book a school visit and you will be sure to run into 1, 2 or all three of the founders! #avalonmontessori #womenempowerment #womeninbusiness #passiondriven #teachers
Despite the warm weather and summer fun, there are reminders that fall is approaching and with it, the return to school for people in Ontario. I’ve been trying to think about what to post to help prepare kids for back to school but I don’t know if anyone wants more reminders. So…I am going to post simple things that resonate with me as a teacher, school owner and parent of neurodivergent kids who will be returning to post secondary in the fall. Happy to hear your thoughts and to engage in more meaningful conversation if you want, just send a message. #summer #itsstillsummer #august #avalonmontessori #backtoschool
— FAQS —
Common Questions
How do you handle grades in Middle School?
We introduce formal report cards and assessments in Grades 7 and 8 to ensure students are comfortable with the requirements of secondary school.
What subjects are included in the Middle School curriculum?
Our curriculum provides a rigorous academic foundation that meets and exceeds the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines. We focus on an interdisciplinary approach where subjects are connected to real-world applications. Areas of study include:
- Core Academics: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Geography, and History.
- Specialized Programs: French, Current Events, and Health.
- The Arts & Physical Education: Drama, Visual Art, Vocal Music, instrumental Music, and non-competitive Physical Education.
How does Avalon prepare my child for the transition to high school?
We act as a unique bridge to secondary school. Through our Transition Program, we gradually introduce elements such as lockers, more complex assignments, and formal schedules within our supportive environment. Students also become more aware and accountable for their own learning including understanding their learning style, strengths and challenges. This ensures students graduate ready to meet the expectations of secondary school, engaged in their own learning and can advocate for themselves.
How do you handle grading and formal assessments?
To ensure students are high school-ready, we move toward a formalized assessment structure. While we maintain a low-pressure atmosphere, Middle School students receive grades on assignments and report cards and participate in formalized testing across all subject areas to become comfortable with traditional evaluation methods.
How does the school keep my child safe?
As a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS), we meet high standards of safety and academic accountability. Our small community ensures every child is supervised by staff who know them well.
How do you support students who learn differently?
We are an inclusive school. Our educators are specialists in applying the Montessori curriculum to your child’s specific learning needs. We work with you to help your child find and build the tools they need to support and regulate themselves.
In middle school it’s especially important to provide a low-pressure environment where our students can thrive.
Does the curriculum meet Ontario standards?
Yes. While we have the freedom to follow the child’s interests, we consistently meet and exceed provincial guidelines. We ensure students have a strong foundation in core academics while enjoying enriched opportunities for French, the Arts, and physical education.
Do Middle School students wear uniforms?
Mandatory uniforms are required for all Middle School students to help eliminate social stereotypes and ensure the focus remains on learning and community.
— ENROLMENT —
Now accepting registrations for 2026/27
Spaces are limited. If you’re considering Avalon for your child, we encourage you to reach out today.